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Monday, January 26, 2015

Together North Jersey: Changes Should be Made to Irvington Avenue

A plan released by Together North Jersey, a project of the Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, calls for changes to be made to the 1.5 mile long Irvington/Clinton Avenue corridor in South Orange, Newark, Maplewood, and Irvington.

One proposal in the plan, which is titled 'Irvington Avenue: Creating a Complete Corridor', calls for branding of the portion of Irvington Avenue that is in Maplewood as 'Maplewood Corners'. Under this proposal, a pocket park would be developed at the corner of Hillcrest Place next to Diamond Gym, where a gate blocking vehicular traffic is currently in place. Plus, new trees would be installed as part of the revitalization effort. In addition, improvements would be made for pedestrians and bicyclists and new signage would be installed. The area is served by New Jersey Transit buses 107 and 37. Bus 107 connects the South Orange Train Station with the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, and Bus 37 connects the Ivy Hill Loop in Newark with the terminals at Newark Liberty International Airport.

“Enhancing pedestrian safety, improving public spaces, and making roads accessible for all modes of transportation, will both attract new opportunities for development and support ongoing revitalization efforts", said Maplewood prosecutor Annette DePalma.

The report also stated that the Rose Hill Shopping Plaza in Newark, which contains a City Supermarket and several stores, is undergoing changes to improve appearance and pedestrian access. The plaza is located next to the Ivy Hill Park Apartments, New Jersey's largest private apartment complex.

Recently, Irvington Avenue's business district in South Orange was branded by the Irvington Avenue Corridor Advisory Committee as 'Seton Village' due to its proximity to Seton Hall University.

Above: Irvington Avenue in Maplewood

Above: Ivy Hill Plaza in Newark

Above: The border of Maplewood and Irvington, where Irvington Avenue becomes Clinton Avenue. Businesses in this area include the Clinton Deli, a business serving Polish foods, Town and Country Pharmacy, and Extra Supermarket.